Quinn signs back seat safety belt measure into law

Back seat passengers will now be required to wear seat belts in Illinois under a measure Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law today.

The move strengthens the state's current seat belt laws, which require passengers in the front seat and anyone under the age of 19 to wear safety belts. Police will be able to stop vehicles if they notice a passenger isn't strapped in. Fines start at $25.

Exemptions include those riding in taxis or emergency vehicles such as police cars and ambulances. The measure was sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton, a Chicago Democrat who authored the state's first law requiring passengers to buckle up during the 1980s.

Quinn signed the bill at a ceremony at the Thompson Center in Chicago.

The governor said the safety measure is particularly important heading into the 4th of July weekend, which can be one of the most dangerous for drivers.

Cullerton and Quinn both recognized the work of the late Rep. Mark Beaubien, a Republican from Barrington Hills, who pushed the bill in the House. Beaubien's family was at the bill signing at Quinn's Chicago office.

The governor also signed a law making it illegal for passengers to ride in trailers, wagons and other vehicles while they are being towed on highways. Farm-related activities and parades are exempt.